Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy on February ballot

Posted on 11/21/2017

​The Puyallup School Board has unanimously agreed to place an Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy on the February 13, 2018 Special Election ballot.

This would not be a new tax for voters, rather continuing support for existing educational programs and day-to-day operations in all district schools.

The current levy represents 19 percent of the district’s operating budget for the 2017-18 school year and will expire in 2018.

The estimated annual tax rate to homeowners would be $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This is based on current state law and future projected property values. If approved, the rate for the replacement levy will be $1.98 less per $1,000 of assessed valuation than the 2018 levy rate.

Levy funds are also used for preventative maintenance and efficiencies in district operations. For example, buses were purchased to replace older fully depreciated buses. These new buses have 30 percent greater efficiency and they generate additional state depreciation revenue which prevented the need for a transportation levy. “We make investments to preserve our assets and maximize our available resources. Taking care of these assets preserves them and reduces ongoing expenses,” says Chief Financial Officer Corine Pennington.

The Educational Programs Replacement Levy would allow key programs and necessary facility maintenance and operations to continue for the next four years. As homeowners maintain their house over time, school districts must do the same.

Families in Puyallup send nearly 23,000 students to school each day knowing their community provides the kind of support necessary to educate their children. Voters in the Puyallup community have earned a reputation for providing the funding required to build additional classrooms for a growing community, offer excellent educational programs for all students, and maintain the basic operations in the eighth largest school district in Washington.

More information on the proposed levy, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the School Levy Election page on the district’s website.

Nancy French
frenchnl@puyallup.k12.wa.us

The Puyallup School District, in partnership with our diverse communities, educates and inspires students to reach their full potential.